Austin Dillon’s recent victory at Richmond has revitalized his career and positioned him as a serious contender in the NASCAR Cup Series. This win, which took place on March 31, 2024, marks a significant turnaround from last year’s controversial finish on the same track. Notably, Dillon attributes much of his success to crew chief Richard Boswell, whose leadership is steering Richard Childress Racing (RCR) back into the upper echelons of the sport.
In a post-race interview, Dillon emphasized the importance of securing a playoff berth while highlighting his grandfather, Richard Childress, as the foundation of RCR. He described Childress as a relentless presence, dedicating every effort to support the team. Dillon stated, “Richard Boswell is a heck of a leader. A good get for us in the off-season. He’s a guy that can be a leader for years to come after crew chiefing for him.”
Dillon’s confidence in Boswell is evident. He believes the crew chief has fostered one of the strongest teams in the garage, remarking that the organization is well-equipped to generate excitement during the playoffs. “There’s a lot of big, strong teams out there. We scrap and claw and figure out ways to win. I think we have fun when we do that,” Dillon added, reinforcing the notion that RCR is not only competing but thriving amidst tough competition.
Boswell joined Dillon’s team in November 2023, prior to the start of the 2024 Cup Series season, after his tenure as crew chief for Chase Briscoe at the now-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing. His arrival has sparked a renewed sense of optimism within the team. In response to criticisms that Dillon is only in the Cup Series due to his family legacy, Boswell pointed to Dillon’s performance at Richmond as evidence of his capability. He noted that Dillon raced closely with Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup champion, for up to 40 laps before ultimately claiming victory.
While Boswell acknowledged the need for greater speed and consistency, he firmly dismissed doubters of Dillon’s talent. “Anyone claiming Dillon just can’t do it isn’t looking at the facts,” he asserted, emphasizing the achievements they have made together.
Dillon’s win at Richmond is a promising indicator of RCR’s potential as the season progresses. With Boswell’s guidance, the team aims to enhance their performance and challenge the dominant forces in NASCAR. As Dillon continues to lead the charge, both he and Boswell remain focused on building a competitive program that reflects their dedication and hard work.